One Man and One Woman Will Each Win a Free Trip for Two to Maui

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- Who doesn't love watching Woody Harrelson and Zero Dark Thirty star Jessica Chastain light up the silver screen? PETA's more than 3 million members and supporters certainly do. That's because Harrelson and Chastain, both vegans, are the reigning king and queen of PETA's annual Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity contest. Now, the boy or girl next door can bask in the spotlight, too. That's because PETA has just launched its 2013 Sexiest Vegan Next Door contest to give every person who has made the smart decision to go vegan a chance to shine. Two winners (one male and one female) will each receive a trip for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

In previous years, the contest was open to both vegans and vegetarians. But because more people are going vegan these days than you can shake a carrot stick at, this year's contest is limited to vegans.

"Compassion for others is not only a sign of strength but also a big turn-on," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Everyone who enters is already a winner because they know that the best thing that anyone can do for animals, the planet, and their own health is to go vegan."

Entrants must be at least 22 years of age. The entry round ends at 12 noon ET on March 8, 2013. Vegans (no previous finalists, please!) can enter the contest using this online form. Public voting to help PETA determine the finalists runs from March 11 to 29. The finalists—10 men and 10 women—will be notified and featured on PETA's websites by 12 noon ET on April 15. Voting on the finalists to help PETA determine the winners will run from April 15 to May 3. Winners will be chosen by PETA based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced on May 9. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote, please click here.

Energetic 5-Year-Old Could Appear in Her Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Lutherville, Md. -- Lutherville resident Maya Parker-Rollins may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if she can triumph over her four fellow female finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 5-year-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one female and one male) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Maya is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Maya, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Maya—who has always been vegan—has been attending animal rights demonstrations, leafleting events, and vegan food giveaways since she was a baby. Now that she's older, she has become even more active. She loves visiting farmed-animal sanctuaries and knows that animals exist for their own purposes, not for human use. Maya's entire family is vegan, and they share their home with rescued dogs, cats, and rats.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

Energetic 11-Year-Old Could Appear in His Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Lawrenceville, Ga. -- Lawrenceville resident Christopher Mucke may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if he can triumph over his four fellow male finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 11-year-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one male and one female) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Christopher is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Christopher, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Christopher also helped persuade his father to go vegan. A brown belt in taekwondo, Christopher loves playing sports, including football and soccer, and also enjoys playing the piano and jumping on the trampoline. And giving is part of his nature: He always donates part of his allowance to animal-protection groups.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

PETA Protesters Will Expose Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants 

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

San Diego -- A herd of "elephants" will be among those protesting outside the Holiday Inn on the Bay in San Diego–On Wednesday as the annual convention of the Circus Fans Association of America gets underway. The protesters will display posters emblazoned with compelling photos taken inside Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used in circuses are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. Actor Alec Baldwin recently narrated a video exposé that focuses on how circuses abuse elephants.

When:   Wednesday, February 20, 12 noon

Where:  Holiday Inn San Diego–On the Bay, 1355 N. Harbor Dr. (near the intersection with W. Ash Street), San Diego

"The evidence is now incontrovertible that animals are deprived of all that's pleasant and natural and are shocked, whipped, and beaten into performing out of fear of punishment," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on circus fans to support only circuses that have stopped using or that never did use animals and join us in objecting to cruelty to animals under the big top."

PETA applauds trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats but strongly opposes the use of elephants, tigers, and other animals who are abused by circuses. Cirque du Soleil, the New Pickle Family Circus, Cirque Éloize, and others are exciting and innovative circuses that mesmerize audiences without animal acts.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. 

Adorable 14-Month-Old Could Appear in Her Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Cleveland Heights, Ohio -- Cleveland Heights resident Ramona Regan may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if she can triumph over her four fellow female finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 14-month-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one female and one male) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Ramona is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Ramona, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Ramona has always been vegan, and she loves healthy, humane food—her favorites are tofu, sweet potatoes, and avocado. A natural charmer, she loves all animals, particularly pandas, otters, and cats. Last year, she participated in Fur-Free Friday and the Walk for Farm Animals with her parents, and she also enjoys visiting the animals at Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

PETA Asks USDA to Seize Ailing Elephant From Owner Charged With for Animal Welfare Act Violations

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Davenport, Fla. -- PETA has filed a detailed complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting its request for the agency to confiscate Nosey, an African elephant who is suffering from a severe, chronic skin condition. Nosey's exhibitor, Hugo Liebel, is already facing nearly three dozenformal charges for violations of the federal minimum standards of the Animal WelfareAct, most of them relating to Nosey, including repeatedly chaining her so tightly that she could barely move and repeatedly denying her adequate veterinary care.

Despite these charges—and two decades of federal citations for failing to treat Nosey's skin condition properly—Liebel is still not giving her the care that she needs. According to a veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience caring for and treating elephants, photographs of Nosey taken during elephant rides in Davenport earlier this month reveal that her condition continues to deteriorate and that she is in pain and suffering as a result.

"Liebel brazenly flouts the law and puts animals and the public at risk," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "The USDA must take decisive action to seize Nosey and get her the treatment that she so desperately needs."

Also last week, records obtained by PETA reveal that Nosey tested positive for tuberculosis antibodies last year—which can be an early indicator of TB infection. This result is of particular concern given Liebel's record of allowing unlawful, unsupervised, and dangerous contact between the public and Nosey—and given that direct contact with a TB-positive elephant is notnecessary for transmission of the disease.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. 

Group Will Give Students a Feel for Intensive Confinement That May Have Them Going Vegan 

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Albuquerque -- Most students at the University of New Mexico have probably never been to a factory farm, so peta2—PETA's youth division—is bringing factory farms to them. As part of a national college tour, the group will set up a 20-foot-by-30-foot inflatable tent, inside of which students can confine themselves to sow gestation crates—which are so small that pregnant pigs can't even turn around or take two steps—and watch "Glass Walls," a video exposé of the meat industry narrated by PETA pal Paul McCartney, who famously said, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian." Students will also receive samples of vegan foods and free vegetarian/vegan starter kits with recipes and tips for helping the Earth, animals, and their own arteries by going meat- and dairy-free.

When:   Thursday, February 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where:  Outside the Student Union Building, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque

"College is the time to consider new ideas, and peta2's factory-farm display gives students an idea of how much suffering goes into a chicken nugget or a beef burger," says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. "Once students see what cows, chickens, and other animals go through on factory farms, in transit, and in slaughterhouses, they'll want to load up their cafeteria trays with humane vegan selections."

Pigs, chickens, fish, and cows feel pain and fear just as intensely as do the animals who share our homes with us, yet they are abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs and cats were the victims. Chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they're still conscious, piglets are castrated and have their tails cut off without being given any painkillers, and calves raised for their milk have their horns burned out of their skulls. On the decks of fishing boats, fish suffocate or are cut open while they're still alive.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

Notorious Circus Exhibitor Faces Dozens of Charges for Animal Welfare Act Violations—Group Will Protest at Raymond James Stadium

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Tampa, Fla. -- PETA is using its popular website to ask visitors to urge Eric Hart, president and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, to cancel performances by an ailing elephant named Nosey that are scheduled to begin Friday at Raymond James Stadium as part of the UniverSoul Circus. Nosey's exhibitor, Hugo Liebel, faces almost three dozen charges for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, most of them relating to Nosey, including chaining her so tightly that she could barely move and repeatedly denying her adequate veterinary care for a skin condition. Liebel is set to face these charges at a hearing in Tampa next month. In the meantime, PETA members will be on hand for a spirited protest at the stadium.

When:   Friday, February 22, 6:15 p.m.

Where:  Raymond James Stadium parking lot, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa

"If the Tampa Sports Authority hosts this cruel outfit, it will virtually be endorsing animal abuse," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "This poor elephant should not be used and abused but confiscated and allowed to retire."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been citing Liebel for failing to treat Nosey's skin condition properly for two decades. According to a veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience caring for and treating elephants, recent photographs of Nosey reveal that her condition continues to deteriorate and that she is suffering as a result. PETA has just submitted a complaint to the USDA today asking that the agency confiscate her. The USDA described Nosey's condition as "thickened layers of dead skin" with a "dry, cracked appearance" on her legs, tail, back, sides, and face. Also, records just obtained by PETA reveal that Nosey tested positive for tuberculosis (TB) antibodies in January 2012. This result can be an early indicator of TB infection, which is highly transmissible to humans. Liebel's other violations include allowing unsupervised public contact with Nosey, who previously attacked a worker, who then had to be rushed to an emergency room.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Energetic 11-Year-Old Could Appear in Her Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Eureka, Calif. -- Eureka resident Adara Lewis may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if she can triumph over her four fellow female finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 11-year-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one female and one male) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Adara is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Adara, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Adara went vegetarian all on her own at age 4 after reading Charlotte's Web, a children's novel about a spider named Charlotte, who tries to persuade a farmer not to slaughter Wilber the pig. Her entire family soon followed her lead and went meat-free. Adara is now vegan and enjoys explaining to her classmates why she made the healthy and humane choice and why they should consider doing the same. Adara participates in gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, and team sports at her school. She also volunteers at her local animal shelter and aspires to be an Olympic gymnast—and a vegan baker.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

Energetic 3-Year-Old Could Appear in His Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Westland, Mich. -- Westland resident Dylan Seror may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if he can triumph over his four fellow male finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 3-year-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one male and one female) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Dylan is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Dylan, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Dylan always asks to read ingredient labels and then checks with his parents to make sure that the food he's about to eat is vegan, and he can't believe that other kids and adults eat things that come from animals. In his words, "That is gross!" If his parents say, "chicken nuggets," he corrects them so that they say, "vegan chicken nuggets," to make sure that everyone knows that they didn't come from chickens. Healthy and active, Dylan loves to play hockey and enjoys his own rock-climbing wall. Outside of sports, he also enjoys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and superheroes.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

Hearty Veggie Burgers, Broccoli Stir-Fry, and Vegan Protein Shakes Have Fans at the Rose Garden Cheering

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Portland, Ore. -- First came Major League Baseball in 2002, followed by the NFL in 2008. Now, for the first time, thanks to the explosion in vegetarian options at sports venues across the continent, PETA has ranked the top 10 most vegetarian-friendly NBA arenas, and the Rose Garden Arena, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, is number six.

"Number-six overall draft pick Damian Lillard is a favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, so it's only fitting that the Rose Garden has debuted at number six on PETA's inaugural list of the top 10 most vegetarian-friendly NBA arenas," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "And for fans hitting the Rose Garden's concession stands, coming away with healthy, humane, and delicious vegetarian fare is a slam dunk."

Among the superb offerings at the Rose Garden is the broccoli stir-fry, which can be ordered with rice or noodles. In addition to the veggie burger, vegetable sandwich on freshly baked bread, veggie wrap, and vegan protein shake, the granola bowl with vegan protein powder, berries, banana, cinnamon and agave is sure to please even the most discriminating palate. Fans in the suites sections can also enjoy vegan pasta salad with veggies and citrus-pesto vinaigrette, the vegetable rice rolls with Ponzu dipping sauce, and the stir-fried soy strips with veggies, pineapple, teriyaki sauce, peanuts, and rice.

STAPLES Center,home to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers,came in first placefor its vegan sloppy Joes and vegetable sushi, followed by runner-up Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Raptors, with its chutney-topped Bollywood veggie dog, vegetarian burrito, and lettuce, tomato, and scallion veggie dog. Rounding out the top 10 are the Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia 76ers), the BMO Harris Bradley Center (Milwaukee Bucks), Oracle Arena (Golden State Warriors), the United Center (Chicago Bulls), the AT&T Center (San Antonio Spurs), Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Indiana Pacers), and The Palace of Auburn Hills (Detroit Pistons).

To see all the delicious vegetarian offerings, please visit PETA's blog.

Six-Year-Old Showed Love and Respect for Everyone, Including Animals

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- Six-year-old Catherine Violet Hubbard used to dote on her beloved rabbit and always helped her arthritis-stricken dog stand up when she wanted some food or water. She loved to watch baby birds in their nests and reveled when butterflies would land on her. According to news reports, she would even whisper to insects, "Tell your friends I'm kind." That ended when Catherine became one of 20 children and six educators who were killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Conn., in December.

To help honor Catherine's memory, PETA will add an inscribed golden leaf dedicated to her to its Tree of Life monument at PETA's national headquarters in Norfolk, as well as a rose bush to PETA's memorial garden, where Princess Diana, Lady Linda McCartney, and other compassionate souls are honored. PETA's Tree of Life is dedicated to individuals whose actions make a positive difference for animals. Catherine's leaf reads as follows: 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

CATHERINE VIOLET HUBBARD

FRIEND TO ALL ANIMALS

"In her short six years, Catherine showed a capacity for compassion that inspired everyone around her, and we hope to do our part to make sure that her memory continues to encourage kindness toward others without regard to their species," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Most children instinctively love animals, and thanks in large part to her parents, Catherine was encouraged to foster that love. Had she been allowed to live, Catherine could have been a driving force in the effort to win for animals the respect that they deserve."

Catherine dreamed of running her own animal shelter one day, and her parents are intent on keeping her dream alive: The Hubbards have announced plans for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary in Newtown, where visitors can see and learn about animals rescued from abusive circumstances.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Energetic 5-Year-Old Could Appear in Her Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Columbia City, Ind. -- Columbia City resident Ciera Leughmyer may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if she can triumph over her four fellow female finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 5-year-old beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one female and one male) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Ciera is living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids, such as Ciera, are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Ciera—who has enjoyed a healthy, humane, and eco-friendly vegan diet her whole life—loves all animals, including her two cats, two dogs, four mice, a fish, and 10 rats, all of whom were rescued. She fully understands that the food that she chooses to eat didn't cause any animals to suffer, and she's downright proud of it. A budding animal rights activist, she recently leafleted for the first time, and she had such a great time that she's looking forward to becoming even more active.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

Group's Message to Fountain Hills: No One Should Be Killed to Test Cosmetics

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Fountain Hills, Ariz. -- The 22^nd Annual International UFO Congress Convention & Film Festival, from February 27 to March 3, might not be the only show coming to Fountain Hills. That's because, in keeping with the theme of alien visitors to Earth, PETA is negotiating with area outdoor advertisers to place a brand-new billboard showing a beckoning alien next to the caption "Afraid of Being Probed? Animals Are, Too. Buy Only Cruelty-Free Cosmetics." PETA's point? That humans somehow rationalize blinding and poisoning animals in laboratories to test cosmetics and other products, but how would they feel if they were the subjects of similar experiments carried out by "advanced" aliens?

"Experiments on animals are painful, deadly, and unreliable," says PETA Senior Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Kathy Guillermo. "If the thought of being a 'guinea pig' used by aliens to test cosmetics frightens you, then you should never buy products tested on animals."

Animals in laboratories are confined to small cages and are denied everything that's natural and important to them. They live in constant fear and endure painful experiments. To test cosmetics, household cleaners, and other consumer products, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits are force-fed chemicals or have harsh substances dripped into their eyes or rubbed onto their raw, abraded skin—even though the results of animal tests are not applicable to humans. While cosmetic tests on animals are required in China and some other countries, they are not required by law in the U.S. and have been banned in the European Union and Israel.

Fortunately, many companies—including LUSH, Urban Decay, Paul Mitchell Systems, The Body Shop, and NYX—have signed PETA's statement of assurance that they use only modern, non-animal methods to test their products and ingredients. PETA's global list of cruelty-free cosmetics and household-product companies is available here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Lentils for Lent? PETA Donates Vegan Soup to Boston Shelter

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Boston -- PETA is embarking on a new project that involves donating vegan lentil soup by Amy's Kitchen to Haley House in Boston in order to help feed those in need during Lent. Our message is that Lent isn't always about giving something up. It's also about compassion and discovery—including discovering new foods!

"Jesus taught compassion for all of His creations, yet animals who are killed for food are usually treated cruelly and can die a frightening death," says PETA Director Colleen O'Brien, a devout Roman Catholic. "PETA is appealing to everyone to go vegan for Lent—and keep it up all year long."

Going vegan is a powerful way to adhere to the true teachings of Jesus and the Bible, which include caring for each other, animals, and the Earth. Pope Benedict XVI said that humankind's "degrading of living creatures to a commodity seems to me in fact to contradict the relationship of mutuality that comes across in the Bible." PETA and its tens of thousands of Catholic supporters agree that going vegan is one of the most Christian things that anyone can do.

Visit PETA.org for additional information.

One of These Siblings Could Appear in His Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Mountain View, Calif. -- PETA has inadvertently set the stage for some sibling rivalry. That's because either Mountain View resident Cade or his little brother Jett may just win the national title of Cutest Vegan Kid—that is, if either can triumph over his four fellow male finalists in the contest sponsored by PETA Kids. The 8-year-old and 3-year-old, respectively, beat out scores of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to PETAKids.com to help PETA Kids select the winners, who will be announced on February 27. Voting ends on February 22. The two winners (one male and one female) will each receive a PETA Kids prize pack and appear in a PETA Kids ad. Because of the fast-growing number of vegans nationwide, this is the first year that the contest has been open only to vegan children.

"Cade and Jett are living proof that you're never too young to help make a difference for the billions of animals who are cruelly raised for food every year," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because healthier vegan kids are generally happier kids, that makes them cuter, too."

Cade went vegan five years ago at age 3 and has been an inspiration to Jett, who was raised vegan. Cade is already something of an expert on nutrition and encourages his friends at school to eat healthier and consider where their food comes from. He enjoys drawing and playing the piano.

Jett—who goes bananas over his veggies—is a major LEGO buff, and he's quite the budding artist. Even at the tender age of 3, he's an old hand at PETA Kids competitions: He was a finalist in the 2011 Cutest Vegetarian Kids contest.

PETA Kids will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETAKids.com.

Top Skincare Company Stops Selling in Lucrative Market Rather Than Paying for Tests That Poison Animals

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Boulder, Colo. -- Following extensive discussions with PETA about the Chinese government's animal testing laws for cosmetics—which include requirements that cosmetics companies have their products dripped into rabbits' eyes and force-fed to mice in archaic product tests—Boulder-based all-natural skincare company Pangea Organics has announced that it will pull out of the Chinese market and stop selling its products there rather than hurting even one animal.

For this bold move, PETA is presenting the company with its Courage in Commerce Award.

"When Pangea Organics joined PETA's list of cruelty-free companies in 2006, it made a promise to its customers that it would never harm an animal—and by pulling out of the Chinese market, it is keeping that promise," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Pangea Organics' brave decision illustrates how truly ethical companies will forgo profits rather than paying for animal testing anywhere in the world."

While Pangea Organics joins a growing list of retailers—including NYX, Urban Decay, and Paul Mitchell—that have refused to sell their products in China if it means paying for animal tests, not all companies are as compassionate: Mary Kay, Avon, and Estée Lauder, which were on PETA's list of companies that don't test on animals for decades, began paying for poisoning tests on animals in order to market their products in China. Compassionate consumers can choose cruelty-free products and shop from the more than 1,300 cruelty-free companies listed in PETA's brand-new global cruelty-free shopping guide and on PETA's list of companies that don't test on animals.

Scientists funded in part by PETA are currently working with the Chinese government to accept non-animal tests for cosmetics ingredients.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Douglas County, Neb. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With up to 1 foot of snow predicted for the greater Omaha area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuringJustin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

USDA Action Against Circus Infamous for Restraining Animals in Filthy Enclosures Follows PETA Complaints

For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Las Vegas -- Following official complaints by PETA regarding a camel and three small dogs who escaped from Las Vegas–based Ramos Bros. Circus and headed toward busy traffic—and in the camel's case, caused a major traffic jam—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an official warning to Ramos Bros. for a violation of the Animal Welfare Act's (AWA) provision against endangering animals and the public. This action comes on the heels of numerous complaints to PETA from the public indicating that the circus regularly abuses animals, including tying them up so tightly that they cannot stand, forcing them to live in urine- and feces-filled enclosures, and failing to provide them with water.

"Allowing animals to endanger themselves and the public is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ramos Bros.' neglect and cruelty to animals," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA wants the public to stay away from a circus that routinely deprives animals of their most basic necessities, including clean shelter and drinkable water."

In its warning, the USDA cautions that violations of the AWA can have "serious and costly impacts" and that further violations of the law may result in the assessment of a civil penalty, criminal prosecution, or other sanctions against the circus. Ramos Bros.' other recent violations of the AWA include operating without a required federal license. Just this past June, the circus unlawfully exhibited zebras and camels in Corona, Calif., in clear violation of a city ordinance. When PETA notified city officials, they took immediate action to enforce the law.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Team's Revamp Should Include Doing Away With Cruel, Grotesque Fur, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2013

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

Buffalo, N.Y. -- On the heels of the Buffalo Sabres' decision to fire head coach Lindy Ruff, PETA is calling on the team to earn back the trust of its fan base by doing away with something else: the logo-embroidered fur coat that the team recently started awarding to its "player of the game." As PETA explained in a letter sent today to team owner Terry Pegula, people who care about animals don't want to see their favorite players wearing the pelts of animals who were likely bludgeoned, strangled, electrocuted, and even skinned alive.

"There's nothing less sporting and more grotesque than wearing someone else's skin," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA is telling the Sabres that if they want to move forward and leave the past behind, they need to stop draping their top-scoring players in cruel caveman couture."

PETA's letter to Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is available here.For more information, please visit PETA.org.